Big Lead Sports Bar

9/15/2009

THE BUS ROLLS OVER THE STEELERS

While perusing SI.com yesterday, I noticed a new feature from Jerome Bettis (co-authored by SI's Adam Duerson) called "Bus Stops". But the headline of his debut is what really grabbed me: "Bus Stops: Fox's job in jeopardy; Steelers defense in big trouble". The John Fox was not so surprising. But the Steelers' defense in big trouble? I'd say they took a major hit, because Tyrone Carter on his best day will never be Troy Polamalu. However, I don't know if I'd ever go as far as saying a Dick LeBeau defense was in big trouble.

So the Bus reeled me in. I clicked on the story. Now keep in mind that many accused Bettis of a less-than-intriguing take on the league during his stint on NBC, never really having an impact outside of his initial comments about Bill Cowher. But apparently he decided to discard the memo that any former Steeler must only talk glowingly about his former team in the media. Witness:

One more reason Pittsburgh's in trouble: these Steelers are a mediocre running team on their best day. I don't think they've reached a panic situation quite yet because the Titans don't allow anyone to run the football on them. But there are serious problems.

Willie Parker: I haven't seen much from him. Rashard Mendenhall: I haven't really seen him, period. One thing I have seen is Mewelde Moore making plays. And I think the little guy's going to get more of those opportunities as the Steelers continue to grow into what I think will be more of a passing team in 2009.

Bettis goes on to criticize Frank the Tank, the O-line, and the front office for not addressing the O-line, and I think they are all valid criticisms. I was a little shocked by his blunt assessment of the team, especially his old backfield mate Parker. But the honesty? It was refreshing. I'd rather hear what he really thinks as opposed to someone like Merrill Hoge picking the Steelers to win every week for the last five years or so.

9 comments:

Bettis is just saying what any realistic fan should be thinking and I agree with him completely. Just because they won the Super Bowl with these same issues doesn't mean they aren't very real and don't need addressed.

If they Steelers can't get between 100 and 150 yards against the Bears and their badly wounded defense, then they better put Ben in 4-wide shotgun mode for the rest of the season and pray his arm doesn't fall off.

Not because of what he said. I agree with yinz guys. He spoke the truth.

But the article itself. The only team he knows anything enough about to analysis is the Steelers (and to a lesser extent the teams they Steelers played 2x every year). Every other team he has nothing to say but the blatantly obvious (John Fox on the hot seat you say? NO!)

BTW, Cowher must be icing down his Whistle Cranking arm for when he's doing his PR blitz as the Panthers new head coach.